South Carolina Department of Transportation has closed a bridge in Union County on S-12, also known as West Springs Road, over Fair Forest Creek due to its deteriorating condition.

Built in 1962, the bridge's deck and substructure have a condition rating of 3, which is serious, and the superstructure rating is 4, which is poor.

SCDOT engineers have been monitoring the bridge closely due to its condition. The bridge was closed Wednesday evening due to a broken pre-cast "T" beam deck panel.

The bridge carries approximately 550 vehicles per day.

Due to construction of a new bridge on nearby S-279, the detour is a little more than 16 miles. The bridge on S-279 may open in approximately one month, weather permitting, to bring the detour to less than 8 miles.